Behind Enemy Lines (11)

Battle Plan for Life (2)

Text: Ephesians 6:10–20

Ephesians 6:10–20 (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.

To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Focus: The Battle Plan

Introduction:

Eight principles of prevailing prayer

First, in prayer we can rise to victory in the fight, or slough off and go down in defeat. 

Second, prayer needs to be in power with God’s armor on (vv. 10–17) and “in the Spirit” who supplies this power (6:18; cf. 3:16; 5:18). Prayer that is not in touch with God for His power is not prayer talking in God’s language.

Third, talking with God in supernatural uplift is urgent to live the Christian life that 6:14–17 illustrates. And this is in an all-out war against supernatural enemies out to stop believers in their tracks.

Fourth, prayer that wins is prayer intimately in sync with God’s Word and the Spirit who ministers it, who fills so that we can fulfill (6:17–18; cf. 5:18). 

Fifth, the norm for praying as God wants us to pray is taking it into all expressions, or aspects in which utterances can be made (6:18). Some are much on petition for personal matters, but offer little or no intercession for others, or thanks, etc. Prayer that God wants to inculcate in us is not stuck on ourselves, but ever gets involved in going to bat for others. All believers need to watch to build a healthy, well-rounded balance and blend in parts of prayer.

Sixth, prayer is not to be hit or miss or stop and surge, but consistently steady at all times. And even with this it can be ever growing. 

Seventh, it will take focused and diligent endurance to pray, yet the Spirit through whom we have access (cf. 2:18; 6:18) is up to this as He energizes in us (3:16). 

Eighth, it is wise to take specific, determined steps to be sure we are praying for those who are special voices for God’s message so that the Word will register with life-changing impact (vv. 19–20).